Biodegradable polymer composition

ABSTRACT

A flowable composition containing a biocompatible, biodegradable, branched thermoplastic polymer is used to form solid matrices such as implants and controlled-release, drug-compositions in a body. The flowable composition with or without bioactive agent can be administered by syringe and needle to form in situ a solid matrix. Alternatively, the flowable composition can be used to form ex vivo solid biodegradable matrices such as articles, implants and devices. The articles implants and the like can then used as solid fasteners, prosthetic devices, and controlled drug compositions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/442,203, filed on Nov. 16, 1999, now allowed, the specification ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Biodegradable polymers have been used for many years in medicalapplications. Medical devices made from biodegradable polymers includesutures, surgical clips, staples, implants, and drug delivery systems.The majority of these biodegradable polymers have been solidthermoplastic materials based upon glycolide, lactide, caprolactone, andcopolymers thereof. Some of these biodegradable polymers arestar-branched polymers, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,922,338 and 5,922,682, which can be used in sustained release medicaldevices (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,538,739; 5,639,480; and 5,688,530).

Placing medical devices such as implants and other solid articles in abody frequently involves a surgical procedure. An incision is made, forexample, and the solid implant is positioned within a body at the siteof the incision. In other variants, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,938,763 the biodegradable polymer is introduced in a body as aflowable formulation. In these examples, a solution of the biodegradablepolymer and an organic solvent is injected into a body. Upon contactwith aqueous or body fluid, the polymer coagulates, forming a solidimplant.

Flowable formulations often require the use of differing concentrationsof polymers depending upon the particular application intended. However,typical biodegradable polymers do not function well at widely variantconcentrations in flowable delivery systems.

Consequently, there is a need for a method and composition whichprovides a biodegradable, polymer system that functions at widelydifferent concentrations of polymer. Specifically, there is a need for amethod and composition for a pharmaceutical system that can be used toprovide implants of all kinds and also to provide controlled deliverysystems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other needs are met by the present invention, which isdirected to a flowable composition suitable for use in medicalapplications. The present invention is also directed to the use ofbranched biodegradable biocompatible thermoplastic polymers as in situand ex vivo solid matrices, and as delivery systems. The in situ and exvivo implants as well as the delivery systems are produced bysolidification of the flowable composition through its contact withaqueous medium, body fluid or water. The ex vivo implants are formedoutside the body and are used as solid devices. They include, forexample, microcapsules, microparticles, single body implants, sutures,surgical clips, staples, and stents.

The flowable composition is a solution or dispersion of a branched,biocompatible, biodegradable thermoplastic polymer or copolymer that isat least substantially water-insoluble and an organic solvent that isbiocompatible and is at least slightly soluble in aqueous medium, wateror body fluid. Once the flowable composition is placed into a substratesuch as a body or aqueous medium, the polymer coagulates or solidifiesinto a solid matrix. The placement of the flowable composition can beanywhere within the body, including soft tissue such as muscle or fat,hard tissue such as bone, or a cavity such as the periodontal, oral,vaginal, rectal, nasal, or a pocket such as a periodontal pocket or thecul-de-sac of the eye.

In applications in which the flowable composition is used for controlleddrug release, a biologically active agent is added to the composition.The biologically active agent is dissolved or dispersed in thecomposition of branched, biocompatible, biodegradable thermoplasticpolymer and organic solvent to form a solution, suspension ordispersion. When this pharmaceutical composition is contacted with anaqueous medium, with a body fluid or with water, a solidpolymer-bioactive agent matrix is formed.

Rate modifying agents to control the rate of release of the bioactiveagent relative to the solid matrix without the additive can be included.Preservatives, homogenization agents, surfactants, colorants, fillers,and excipients can also be included.

Several advantages are achieved with the flowable composition of theinvention compared with other systems. The flowable composition may beinjected via syringe and needle into a body while it is in flowable formand will form in situ a solid biodegradable matrix. The need to form anincision is eliminated, and the implant will assume the shape of itscavity. A drug releasing implant may be provided by adding abiologically active agent to the flowable composition system prior toinjection. Once the implant is formed, it will release the bioactiveagent to the body over a period of time and will also biodegrade. Theso-called burst effect or initial release of bioactive agent can becontrolled with the flowable composition because high concentrations ofpolymer can be used in the flowable composition. Further, the samebioactive agent release profile as provided by implants from linearpolymer compositions is achieved.

The invention also relates to solid articles for medical applicationsthat are formed from the flowable compositions. Solid articles such asmicrocapsules, microparticles, monolithic implants, fasteners, medicaldevices, and controlled drug release systems are produced by ex vivosolidification of the flowable composition. The solid articles are thenutilized within a body by, for example, suturing, clipping, insertion,injection, incision, inhalation and the like. When used as surgicalclips, sutures, and pins, the solid articles provide needed support inmedical applications. When used as drug release implants, these solidarticles provide the controlled release of a bioactive agent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the results of Degradation Study 1.

FIG. 2 shows the results of Degradation Study 2.

FIG. 3 shows the Inherent Viscosities (IV) of the polymers inDegradation Study 3.

FIG. 4 shows drug release data of the biodegradable polymers loaded withdoxycycline hyclate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a flowable composition composed ofa biocompatible, biodegradable, branched, thermoplastic polymer and anorganic solvent. The branched thermoplastic polymer is at leastsubstantially, preferably essentially completely soluble, in the organicsolvent and is at least substantially, preferably completely insolublein aqueous medium, body fluid and water. The organic solvent is at leastslightly soluble in water, preferably moderately soluble in water, andespecially preferably substantially soluble in water. The flowablecomposition is pharmaceutically suitable for injection into a bodywherein it will form a pharmaceutically acceptable, solid matrix, whichtypically is a single body implant or drug delivery system. In oneaspect of the flowable composition, a biologically active agent isincluded and the solid implant will release the biologically activeagent at a controlled rate. The rate of release may be altered to befaster or slower by inclusion of a rate-modifying agent.

The present invention also is directed to biodegradable implants andmethods for producing the same. These implants are solid articles thatcan be made from the flowable composition. Included are microcapsules,microparticles, structured articles such as sutures, staples, medicaldevices, stents and the like as well as monolithic implants and implantfilms, filamentous membranes and matrices. These implants differ inmicroscopic structures from known materials due to the method (i.e.,coagulation) by which they are made.

The microcapsules are dimensioned on the order of 10 to 400 microns, andpreferably are dimensioned so as to avoid causing emboli if introducedinto the blood stream of a mammal. They are typically composed of aporous shell of the thermoplastic, branched polymer and a core ofanother material such as a bioactive agent or a bioactive agent in adiluent or carrier.

The microparticles have approximately the same dimensions asmicrocapsules. The microparticles are typically composed of a porousmatrix of the thermoplastic, branched polymer and bioactive agent. Thebioactive agent is typically contained within the polymer matrix as ahomogeneous dispersion or solution, or as heterogeneous domains.

The structured articles have the known shapes as indicated by theinformation conveyed by their names. They may or may not containbioactive agent. The monolithic implants are single body implants formedoutside the body by solidification of the flowable composition in anaqueous medium. The differing shapes may be obtained by use of a moldingor extrusion device designed to provide such shapes as the flowablecomposition is contacted with the solidification bath. These implantsmay have such shapes as spherical, elipsoidal, cylindrical, string-like,or disc-like as well as any other appropriate shape for placement into abody location.

The films may or may not contain bioactive agent. They may be formed bycasting upon the aqueous medium or by other techniques known to providesuch films.

The filamentous membranes also may or may not contain a bioactive agent.They may be formed by the technique of described in copending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/110723, filed Jul. 7, 1998, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Flowable Composition

According to the present invention, a flowable composition is providedin which a biocompatible, branched, biodegradable, thermoplastic polymeris dissolved or dispersed in a biocompatible organic solvent. Uponcontact with an aqueous medium, body fluid or water, the flowablecomposition solidifies to form an implant or implantable article. Theimplants and implantable articles that are formed from the flowablepolymer compositions of the present invention can be used for controlleddrug release. In these applications, a bioactive agent is added to theflowable composition. The bioactive agent is contained within thesolidified polymer matrix when the flowable composition undergoes itstransformation to an implant or implantable article. When the implant ispresent within a body, the bioactive agent is released in a sustainedmanner through diffusion through the polymer matrix, by directdissolution at the implant surfaces and by degradation and erosion ofthe thermoplastic polymer.

The use of the branched thermoplastic polymer in the flowablecomposition provides an ability to use a higher solids content for theflowable composition relative to flowable mixtures formed with linearthermoplastic polymers such as those described in U.S. Pat. No.4,938,763. Typically, a high solids content, such as 50 wt % or more, oflinear thermoplastic polymer of average molecular weight of 40,000 ormore in a biocompatible organic solvent results in a solution viscosityso high that the mixture of linear thermoplastic polymer and organicsolvent will not be readily flowable. While these mixtures are notreadily flowable, they flow sufficiently to be used as puttys or thickgels for direct placement and manipulation in a surgically created oraugmented site in the body. Use of a flowable composition of the presentinvention at high solids contents, however, results in readily flowablecompositions that can be injected. At the same solids contents andpolymer average molecular weights, the flowable compositions of thepresent invention have lower viscosities than the linear thermoplasticpolymer mixtures disclosed in the '763 patent.

It is believed that a high solids content of branched thermoplasticpolymer in the flowable compositions of the present invention willprovide substantial control of the so-called burst effect. The bursteffect is the initial release of bioactive agent from the flowablecomposition as it is transforming to a solid implant. It is believed tooccur as a result of aqueous or body fluid infusion into the flowablecomposition and dispersion of the organic solvent from the flowablecomposition during this transformation stage. Typically, the bursteffect of a transforming mixture of thermoplastic polymer, organicsolvent and bioactive agent such as that described in U.S. Pat. No.4,938,763 releases a spiked concentration of bioactive agent over ashort period of time. This spiked initial release is often undesirable.

Polymer

The biocompatible, biodegradable, branched, thermoplastic polymers usedaccording to the invention can be made from a variety of monomers whichform polymer chains or monomeric units joined together by linkinggroups. These include polymers with polymer chains or backbonescontaining such linking groups as ester, amide, urethane, anhydride,carbonate, urea, esteramide, acetal, ketal, and orthocarbonate groups aswell as any other organic functional group that can be hydrolyzed byenzymatic or hydrolytic reaction (i.e., is biodegradable by thishydrolytic action). These polymers are usually formed by reaction ofstarting monomers containing the reactant groups that will form thesebackbone linking groups. For example, alcohols and carboxylic acids willform ester linking groups. Isocyanates and amines or alcohols willrespectively form urea or urethane linking groups.

According to the present invention, some fraction of one of thesestarting monomers will be at least trifunctional, and preferablymultifunctional. This multifunctional character provides at least somebranching of the resulting polymer chain. For example, when the polymerchosen contains ester linking groups along its polymer backbone, thestarting monomers normally will either be hydroxycarboxylic acids orwill be diols and dicarboxylic acids. The polymers of the presentinvention are obtained by inclusion of some fraction of a startingmonomer that is at least multifunctional. In addition, the branchedpolymers of the present invention may incorporate more than onemultifunctional unit per polymer molecule, and typically manymultifunctional units depending on the stoichiometry of thepolymerization reaction. Preferably, the branched polymers of thepresent invention incorporate at least one multifunctional unit perpolymer molecule. A so-called star-branched polymer is formed when onemultifunctional unit is incorporated in each polymer molecule.

For example, for the ester linking group polymer described above, adihydroxycarboxylic acid would be included with the first kind ofstarting monomer, or a triol and/or a tricarboxylic acid would beincluded with the second kind of starting monomer. Similarly, a triol,quatraol, pentaol, or hexaol such as sorbitol or glucose can be includedwith the first kind of starting monomer. The same rationale would applyto polyamides. A triamine and/or triacid would be included with startingmonomers of a diamine and dicarboxylic acid. An amino dicarboxylic acid,diamino carboxylic acid or a triamine would be included with the secondkind of starting monomer, amino acid. Any aliphatic, aromatic orarylalkyl starting monomer having the specified functional groups can beused according to the invention to make the branched thermoplasticpolymers of the invention, provided that the polymers and theirdegradation products are biocompatible. The biocompatiblityspecifications of such starting monomers is known in the art.

In particular, the monomers used to make the biocompatible thermoplasticbranched polymers of the present invention will produce polymers orcopolymers that are biocompatible and biodegradable. Examples ofbiocompatible, biodegradable polymers suitable for use as thebiocompatible thermoplastic branched polymers of the present inventioninclude polyesters, polylactides, polyglycolides, polycaprolactones,polyanhydrides, polyamides, polyurethanes, polyesteramides,polydioxanones, polyacetals, polyketals, polycarbonates,polyorthocarbonates, polyorthoesters, polyphosphoesters,polyphosphazenes, polyhydroxybutyrates, polyhydroxyvalerates,polyalkylene oxalates, polyalkylene succinates, poly(malic acid),poly(amino acids), and copolymers, terpolymers, or combinations ormixtures of the above materials.

The polymer composition of the invention can also include polymer blendsof the polymers of the present invention with other biocompatiblepolymers, so long as they do not interfere undesirably with thebiodegradable characteristics of the composition. Blends of the polymerof the invention with such other polymers may offer even greaterflexibility in designing the precise release profile desired fortargeted drug delivery or the precise rate of biodegradability desiredfor structural implants such as for orthopedic applications.

The preferred biocompatible thermoplastic branched polymers orcopolymers of the present invention are those which have a lower degreeof crystallization and are more hydrophobic. These polymers andcopolymers are more soluble in the biocompatible organic solvents thanhighly crystalline polymers such as polyglycolide or chitin, which havea high degree of hydrogen-bonding. Preferred materials with the desiredsolubility parameters are branched polylactides, polycaprolactones, andcopolymers of these with glycolide in, which there are more amorphousregions to enhance solubility. Generally, the biocompatible,biodegradable branched thermoplastic polymer is substantially soluble inthe organic solvents so that up to 50-60 wt % solids can be made.Preferably, the polymers used according to the invention are essentiallycompletely soluble in the organic solvent so that mixtures up to 85-98wt % solids can be made. The polymers also are at least substantiallyinsoluble in water so that less than 0.1 g of polymer per mL of waterwill dissolve or disperse in water. Preferably, the polymers usedaccording to the invention are essentially completely insoluble in waterso that less than 0.001 g of polymer per mL of water will dissolve ordisperse in water. At this preferred level, the flowable compositionwith a completely water miscible solventwill almost immediatelytransform to the solid polymer.

Solvents

Solvents suitable for use in the flowable composition are biocompatibleand are at least slightly soluble in aqueous medium, body fluid, orwater. The organic solvent preferably is at least moderately soluble,more preferably very soluble, and most preferably soluble at allconcentrations in aqueous medium, body fluid, or water. A solvent thatis at least slightly soluble in aqueous or body fluid will allow waterto permeate into the polymer solution over a period of time ranging fromseconds to weeks and cause it to coagulate or solidify. The slightlysoluble solvents will slowly diffuse from the flowable composition andtypically will enable the transformation over a period of days to weeks,e.g. about a day to several weeks. The moderately soluble to verysoluble solvents will diffuse from the flowable composition over aperiod of minutes to days so that the transformation will occur rapidlybut with sufficient leisure to allow its manipulation as a pliableimplant after its placement. The highly soluble solvents will diffusefrom the flowable composition over a period of seconds to hours so thatthe transformation will occur almost immediately. The organic solventpreferably is a polar aprotic or polar protic organic solvent.Preferably, the organic solvent has a molecular weight in the range ofabout 30 to about 1000.

Although it is not meant as a limitation of the invention, it isbelieved that the transition of the flowable composition to a solid isthe result of the dissipation of the organic solvent from the flowablecomposition into the surrounding aqueous medium or body fluid and theinfusion of water from the surrounding aqueous medium or body fluid intothe organic solvent within the flowable composition. It is believed thatduring this transition, the thermoplastic polymer and organic solventwithin the flowable composition partition into regions rich and poor inpolymer. The regions poor in polymer become infused with water and yieldthe porous nature of the resulting solid structure.

Examples of biocompatible organic solvents that may be used to form theflowable compositions of the present invention include aliphatic, aryl,and arylalkyl linear, cyclic and branched organic compounds that areliquid or at least flowable at ambient and physiological temperature andcontain such functional groups as alcohols, ketones, ethers, amides,esters, carbonates, sulfoxides, sulfones, and any other functional groupthat is compatible with living tissue.

Preferred biocompatible organic solvents that are at least slightlysoluble in aqueous or body fluid include N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone,2-pyrrolidone; C1 to C15 alcohols, diols, triols and tetraols such asethanol, glycerine, propylene glycol, butanol; C3 to C15 alkyl ketonessuch as acetone, diethyl ketone and methyl ethyl ketone; C3 to C15esters such as methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, ethyl lactate; C1 to C15amides such as dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide and caprolactam; C3to C20 ethers such as tetrahydrofuran, or solketal; tweens, triacetin,propylene carbonate, decylmethylsulfoxide, dimethyl sulfoxide, oleicacid, and 1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one. Other preferred solvents arebenzyl alcohol, benyl benzoate, dipropylene glycol, tributyrin, ethyloleate, glycerin, glycofural, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate,oleic acid, polyethylene glycol, propylene carbonate, and triethylcitrate. The most preferred solvents are N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone,2-pyrrolidone, dimethyl sulfoxide, triacetin, and propylene carbonatebecause of their solvating ability and their compatibility.

The solubility of the branched biodegradable thermoplastic polymers inthe various solvents will differ depending upon their crystallinity,their hydrophilicity, hydrogen-bonding, and molecular weight. Lowermolecular-weight polymers will normally dissolve more readily in thesolvents than high-molecular-weight polymers. As a result, theconcentration of a polymer dissolved in the various solvents will differdepending upon type of polymer and its molecular weight. Moreover, thehigher molecular-weight polymers will tend to give higher solutionviscosities than the low-molecular-weight materials.

Generally, the concentration of the polymer in the organic solventaccording to the invention will range from about 0.01 g per ml ofsolvent to a saturated concentration. Typically, the saturatedconcentration will be in the range of 80 to 95 wt % solids or 4 toalmost 5 gm per ml of solvent assuming that the solvent weighsapproximately 1 gm per ml.

For polymers that tend to coagulate slowly, a solvent mixture can beused to increase the coagulation rate. In essence, one liquid componentof the solvent mixture is a good solvent for the polymer, and the otherliquid component of the solvent mixture is a poorer solvent or anon-solvent. The two liquids are mixed at a ratio such that the polymeris still soluble but precipitates with the slightest increase in theamount of non-solvent, such as water in a physiological environment. Bynecessity, the solvent system must be miscible with both the polymer andwater. An example of such a binary solvent system is the use of N-methylpyrrolidone and ethanol. The addition of ethanol to the NMP/polymersolution increases its coagulation rate.

Bioactive Agents

The terms “drug,” “medicament,” or “bioactive agent” (i.e., biologicallyactive agent) as used herein include without limitation physiologicallyor pharmacologically active substances that act locally or systemicallyin the body. A biologically active agent is a substance used for thetreatment, prevention, diagnosis, cure or mitigation of disease orillness, a substance which affects the structure or function of thebody, or pro-drugs, which become biologically active or more activeafter they have been placed in a predetermined physiologicalenvironment. biologically, physiologically, or pharmacologically activesubstances that act locally or systemically in the human or animal body.Various forms of the medicaments or biologically active materials can beused which are capable of being released from the solid matrix intoadjacent tissues or fluids. The medicaments are at least very slightlywater soluble, preferably moderately water soluble, and are diffusiblethrough the polymeric composition. They can be acidic, basic, oramphoteric salts. They can be nonionic molecules, polar molecules, ormolecular complexes capable of hydrogen bonding. The biologically-activeagent may be included in the compositions in the form of, for example,an uncharged molecule, a molecular complex, a salt, an ether, an ester,an amide, polymer drug conjugate, or other form to provide the effectivebiological or physiological activity. When the bioactive agent andflowable composition are combined, an embodiment of the pharmaceuticalcomposition is provided.

Bioactive agents contemplated for use with the flowable composition ofthe present include anabolic agents, antacids, anti-asthmatic agents,anti-cholesterolemic and anti-lipid agents, anti-coagulants,anti-convulsants, anti-diarrheals, anti-emetics, anti-infective agentsincluding antibacterial and antimicrobial agents, anti-inflammatoryagents, anti-manic agents, antimetabolite agents, anti-nauseants,anti-neoplastic agents, anti-obesity agents, anti-pyretic and analgesicagents, anti-spasmodic agents, anti-thrombotic agents, anti-tussiveagents, anti-uricemic agents, anti-anginal agents, antihistamines,appetite suppressants, biologicals, cerebral dilators, coronarydilators, bronchiodilators, cytotoxic agents, decongestants, diuretics,diagnostic agents, erythropoietic agents, expectorants, gastrointestinalsedatives, hyperglycemic agents, hypnotics, hypoglycemic agents,immunomodulating agents, ion exchange resins, laxatives, mineralsupplements, mucolytic agents, neuromuscular drugs, peripheralvasodilators, psychotropics, sedatives, stimulants, thyroid andanti-thyroid agents, tissue growth agents, uterine relaxants, vitamins,or antigenic materials.

More particularly, the biologically active agents preferred for use withthe flowable composition of the present invention include androgeninhibitors, polysaccharides, growth factors, hormones, anti-angiogenesisfactors, dextromethorphan, dextromethorphan hydrobromide, noscapine,carbetapentane citrate, chlophedianol hydrochloride, chlorpheniraminemaleate, phenindamine tartrate, pyrilamine maleate, doxylaminesuccinate, phenyltoloxamine citrate, phenylephrine hydrochloride,phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride,ephedrine, codeine phosphate, codeine sulfate morphine, mineralsupplements, cholestryramine, N-acetylprocainamide, acetaminophen,aspirin, ibuprofen, phenyl propanolamine hydrochloride, caffeine,guaifenesin, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, peptides,polypeptides, proteins, amino acids, hormones, interferons, cytokines,and vaccines. Representative drugs or bioactive materials that can beused in the polymer system or solid matrix of the present inventioninclude, but are not limited to, peptide drugs, protein drugs,desensitizing materials, antigens, anti-infective agents such asantibiotics, antimicrobial agents, antiviral, antibacterial,antiparasitic, antifungal substances and combination thereof,antiallergenics, androgenic steroids, decongestants, hypnotics,steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, anti-cholinergics, sympathomimetics,sedatives, miotics, psychic energizers, tranquilizers, vaccines,estrogens, progestational agents, humoral agents, prostaglandins,analgesics, antispasmodics, antimalarials, antihistamines, cardioactiveagents, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, antiparkinsonian agents,antihypertensive agents, β-adrenergic blocking agents, nutritionalagents, and the benzophenanthridine alkaloids. The agent may further bea substance capable of acting as a stimulant, sedative, hypnotic,analgesic, anticonvulsant, and the like.

The pharmaceutical composition can contain a large number ofbiologically active agents either singly or in combination. Thebiologically active agents can be in a controlled release component,which is dissolved, dispersed or entrained in the adjunctive polymersystem. The controlled release component can include microstructures,macrostructures, conjugates, complexers, low water-solubility salts andthe like. Microstructures include nanoparticles, cyclodextrins,microcapsules, micelles, lipsomes and the like. Macrostructures includefibers, beads and the like. Controlled release compositions aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,716, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

Examples of these biologically-active agents include, but are notlimited to:

Anti-inflammatory agents such as hydrocortisone, prednisone,fludrotisone, triamcinolone, dexamethasone, betamethasone, and the like.

Anti-bacterial agents such as penicillins, cephalosporins, vancomycin,bacitracin, polymycins, tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, erythromycin,streptomycin, quinolone, and the like.

Antifungal agents such as nystatin, gentamicin, miconazole, tolnaftate,undecyclic acid and its salts, and the like.

Analgesic agents such as salicylic acid, salicylate esters and salts,acetaminophen, ibuprofen, morphine, phenylbutazone, indomethacin,sulindac, tolmetin, zomepirac, and the like.

Local anesthetics such as cocaine, benzocaine, novocaine, lidocaine, andthe like.

The bioactive material may also be a substance, or metabolic precursorthereof, which is capable of promoting growth and survival of cells andtissues, or augmenting the activity of functioning cells, as forexample, blood cells, neurons, muscle, bone marrow, bone cells andtissues, and the like. For example, the bioactive material may be anerve growth promoting substance, as for example, a ganglioside,phosphatidylserine, a nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophicfactor. The bioactive material may also be a growth factor for soft orfibrous connective tissue as, for example, a fibroblast growth factor,an epidermal growth factor, an endothelial cell growth factor, aplatelet derived growth factor, an insulin-like growth factor, aperiodontal ligament cell growth factor, cementum attachment extracts,and fibronectin.

To promote bone growth, the biologically active material may be anosteoinductive or osteoconductive substance. Suitable bone growthpromoting agents include, for example, osteoinductive factor (OIF), bonemorphogenetic protein (BMP) or protein derived therefrom, demineralizedbone matrix, and releasing factors thereof. Further, the agent may be abone growth promoting substance such as hydroxyapatite, tricalciumphosphate, a di- or polyphosphonic acid, an anti-estrogen, a sodiumfluoride preparation, a substance having a phosphate to calcium ratiosimilar to natural bone, and the like. A bone growth promoting substancemay be in the form, as for example, of bone chips, bone crystals ormineral fractions of bone and/or teeth, a synthetic hydroxyapatite, orother suitable form. The agent may further be capable of treatingmetabolic bone disorders such as abnormal calcium and phosphatemetabolism by, for example, inhibiting bone resorption, promoting bonemineralization, or inhibiting calcification. The active agent may alsobe used to promote the growth and survival of blood cells, as forexample, a colony stimulating factor, and erythropoietin.

Upon formation of the solid matrix from the pharmaceutical composition,the biologically active agent becomes incorporated into the polymermatrix. The bioactive agent will be released from the matrix into theadjacent tissues or fluids by diffusion, migration, dissolution, and bypolymer erosion and degradation mechanisms. Manipulation of thesemechanisms also can influence the release of the bioactive agent intothe surroundings at a controlled rate. For example, the polymer matrixcan be formulated to degrade after an effective and/or substantialamount of the bioactive agent is released from the matrix. Release of aagent having a low solubility in water, as for example a peptide orprotein, typically requires the degradation of a substantial part of thepolymer matrix to expose the agent directly to the surrounding tissuefluids. Thus, the release of the biologically active agent from thematrix can be varied by, for example, the solubility of the bioactiveagent in water, the distribution of the bioactive agent within thematrix, or the size, shape, porosity, solubility and biodegradability ofthe polymer matrix, among other factors. The release of the biologicallyactive agent can facilitate pore formation. The release of thebiologically active agent from the matrix is controlled relative to itsintrinsic rate by varying the polymer composition, molecular weight,and/or polymer concentration, and by adding a rate modifying agent toprovide a desired duration and rate of release, as described above.

The pharmaceutical composition is formulated to provide a solid matrixcontaining the bioactive agent in an amount effective to provide adesired biological, physiological and/or therapeutic effect. The“effective amount” of a biologically active agent incorporated into thepharmaceutical composition of the invention depends on a variety offactors, such as the desired release profile, the concentration ofbioactive agent required for a desired biological effect, and the periodof time over which the bioactive agent needs to be released for desiredtreatment. Ultimately, this amount is determined by the patient'sphysician who will apply his experience and wisdom in prescribing theappropriate kind and amount of bioactive agent to provide therapy forthe patient. There is generally no critical upper limit on the amount ofbioactive agent incorporated into the polymer solution. The onlylimitation is a physical limitation for advantageous application, i.e.,the bioactive agent should not be present in such a high concentrationthat the solution or dispersion viscosity is too high for use. The lowerlimit of bioactive agent incorporated into the polymer system typicallydepends only on the activity of the bioactive agent and the period oftime desired for treatment.

To those skilled in the art, any biologically active agent that can bereleased in an aqueous environment can be utilized in the describedpharmaceutical composition. Also, various forms of the biologicallyactive agents may be used. These include without limitation forms suchas uncharged molecules, molecular complexes, salts, ethers, esters,amides, etc., which are biologically activated when injected into thebody.

Bioactive agents can be combined with the flowable composition toprovide a pharmaceutical composition for drug delivery. In its simplestform, the pharmaceutical composition is a dispersion or solution of thebioactive agent in a matrix of the biocompatible, biodegradable,branched thermoplastic polymer.

To prepare such a pharmaceutical composition, a bioactive agent is addedto the flowable composition of the present invention prior to its use.Then the pharmaceutical composition is administered or otherwiseprocessed to cause its transformation in vivo or ex vivo to the desiredimplant, implantable article, medical device and the like.

In some cases, the bioactive agent will be soluble in the solvent, and ahomogenous solution of flowable composition and bioactive agent will beavailable for transformation processing. In other cases, the bioactiveagent will not be soluble in the solvent, and a suspension or dispersionof the bioactive agent in the flowable composition will result. Thissuspension or dispersion can also be processed to transform it into thedesired implant, implantable article and the like. In either case, thesolvent will dissipate and the polymer will solidify and incorporate thebioactive agent within the solid matrix. The release of bioactive agentfrom these solid implants will follow the same general rules for releaseof a bioactive agent from a monolithic polymeric device. The release ofbioactive agent can be affected by the size and shape of the implant,the loading of bioactive agent within the implant, the permeabilityfactors involving the bioactive agent and the particular polymer, andthe degradation of the polymer. Depending upon the bioactive agentselected for delivery, the above parameters can be adjusted by oneskilled in the art of drug delivery to give the desired rate andduration of release.

Pursuant to the parameters and conditions of the invention, the releaseof the bioactive agent can be controlled. In particular, the rate andextent of release of the bioactive agent from an implant, implantablearticle, device and the like according to the invention can becontrolled by variation of the polymer type and molecular weight, use ofa rate modifying agent, use of plasticizers and leachable agents and theconcentrations and kinds of thermoplastic polymer and bioactive agent.

Rate modifying agents, plasticizers and leachable agents can be includedto manage the rate of release of bioactive agent and the pliability ofthe matrix. The rate modifying agent can increase or retard the rate ofrelease depending upon the nature of the rate modifying agentincorporated into the solid matrix according to the invention. Knownplasticizers as well as organic compounds that are suitable forsecondary pseudobonding in polymer systems are acceptable as ratemodifying agents and also as pliability modifiers and leaching agents.Generally these agents are esters of mono, di and tricarboxylic acids,diols and polyols, polyethers, non-ionic surfactants, fatty acids, fattyacid esters, oils such as vegetable oils, and the like. Theconcentrations of such agents within the solid matrix can range inamount up to 60 wt % relative to the total weight of the matrix,preferably up to 30 wt % and more preferably up to 15 wt %. Generally,these rate modifying agents, leaching agents, plasticizers andpliability modifiers and their application are described in U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,702,716 and 5,447,725, the disclosures of which are incorporatedherein by reference with the proviso that the polymers to be used arethe biocompatible, biodegradable, branched thermoplastic polymers of thepresent invention.

Moldable Implant Precursor

The flowable composition can be formed into a moldable implant precursorby its contact with an aqueous medium such as water or saline, orcontact with a body fluid such as blood serum, lymph, and the likepursuant to the techniques disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,897, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference with thespecification that the thermoplastic polymer of the '897 patent is abiocompatible, biodegradable, branched thermoplastic polymer asdescribed herein.

Briefly, the technique disclosed by the '897 patent converts theflowable composition with or without bioactive agent into a two-partstructure comprising an outer sac with a flowable content. The techniqueapplies a limited amount of aqueous medium and the like to a quantity ofthe pharmaceutical system so that only the outer surface of the systemis converted to solid, thus forming the sac with a flowable contentinside. The flowable content of the implant precursor may range inconsistency from watery to viscous. The outer sac may range inconsistency from gelatinous to an impressionable, moldable andwaxen-like. The resulting device, or implant precursor, may then beapplied to an implant site. Upon implantation, the solvent from theimplant precursor diffuses into the surrounding tissue fluids to form animplant having a solid polymer matrix. Preferably, the implant precursorsolidifies in situ to a solid matrix within about 0.5-4 hours afterimplantation, preferably within about 1-3 hours, preferably within about2 hours. Thus, when placed into an implant site in a body, the implantprecursor eventually coagulates to a solid, microporous matrixstructure.

Porous Structure

The porous structure of the solid matrices, e.g., in situ formedimplants, implants, implantable articles, biodegradable articles anddevices of the invention, is influenced by nature of the organic solventand branched thermoplastic polymer, by their solubility in water,aqueous medium or body fluid (which may differ for each medium) and bythe presence of an additional pore forming moiety. The porous structureis believed to be formed by several mechanisms and their combinations.The dissipation, disbursement or diffusion of the solvent out of thesolidifying flowable composition into the adjacent fluids may generatepores, including pore channels, within the polymer matrix. The infusionof aqueous medium, water or body fluid into the flowable compositionalso occurs and is in part also responsible for creation of pores.Generally, it is believed that the porous structure is formed during thetransformation of the flowable composition to a solid implant, articleand the like. During this process, it is believed, as explained above,that the organic solvent and thermoplastic polymer partition within theflowable composition into regions that are rich and poor inthermoplastic polymer. The partition is believed to occur as a result ofthe dynamic interaction of aqueous infusion and solvent dissipation. Theinfusion involves movement of aqueous medium, water or body fluid intothe flowable composition and the dissipation involves movement of theorganic solvent into the medium surrounding the flowable composition.The regions of the flowable composition that are poor in thermoplasticpolymer become infused with a mixture of organic solvent and water,aqueous medium or body fluid. These regions are believed to eventuallybecome the porous network of the solid implant, article and the like.

Typically, the macroscopic structure of the solid matrix involves a coreand a skin. Typically, the core and skin are microporous but the skinpores are of smaller size than those of the core unless a separate poreforming agent is used as discussed below. Preferably, the outer skinportion of the solid matrix has pores with diameters significantlysmaller in size than these pores in the inner core portion. The pores ofthe core are preferably substantially uniform and the skin is typicallyfunctionally non-porous compared to the porous nature of the core. Thesize of the pores of the solid implant, article, device and the like arein the range of about 4-1000 microns, preferably the size of pores ofthe skin layer are about 1-500 microns. The porosity of such matrices isdescribed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,324,519, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

The solid microporous implant, article, device and the like will have aporosity in the range of about 5-95% as measured by the percent solid ofthe volume of the solid. The development of the degree of porosity willbe governed at least in part by the degree of water solubility of theorganic solvent and branched thermoplastic polymer. If the watersolubility of the organic solvent is high and that of the polymer isextremely low or non-existent, a substantial degree of porosity will bedeveloped, typically on the order of 30 to 95%. If the organic solventhas a low water solubility and the polymer has a low to non-existentwater solubility, a low degree of porosity will be developed, typicallyon the order of 5 to 40%. It is believed that the degree of porosity isin part controlled by the polymer-solvent partition when the flowablecomposition contacts an aqueous medium and the like. The control of thedegree of porosity is beneficial for generation of differing kinds ofbiodegradable articles, implants and devices according to the invention.For example, if strength is a requirement for the article, implant ordevice and the like, it may be beneficial to have a low degree ofporosity. Sutures and clips are such examples.

Pore Forming Additive

Additives can be used to advantage in further controlling the pore sizein the solid matrix, which influences the structure of the matrix andthe release rate of a bioactive agent or the diffusion rate of bodyfluids. For example, if the flowable composition is too impervious toaqueous medium, water or tissue ingrowth, a pore-forming agent can beadded to generate additional pores in the matrix. Any biocompatiblewater-soluble material can be used as the pore-forming additive. Theseadditives can be either soluble in the flowable composition or simplydispersed within it. They are capable of dissolving, diffusing ordispersing out of both the coagulating polymer matrix whereupon poresand microporous channels are generated. The amount of pore-formingadditive (and size of dispersed particles of such pore-forming agent, ifappropriate) within the flowable composition will directly affect thesize and number of the pores in the polymer matrix.

Pore-forming additives include any pharmaceutically acceptable organicor inorganic substance that is substantially miscible in water and bodyfluids and will dissipate from the forming and formed matrix intoaqueous medium or body fluids or water-immiscible substances thatrapidly degrade to water soluble substances. It is further preferredthat the pore-forming additive is miscible or dispersible in the organicsolvent to form a uniform mixture. Suitable pore-forming agents include,for example, sugars such as sucrose and dextrose, salts such as sodiumchloride and sodium carbonate, and polymers such ashydroxylpropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, polyethylene glycol,and polyvinylpyrrolidone. The size and extent of the pores can be variedover a wide range by changing the molecular weight and percentage ofpore-forming additive incorporated into the flowable composition.

As indicated, upon contact with body fluid, the solvent and optionalpore-forming additive dissipate into surrounding tissue fluids. Thiscauses the formation of microporous channels within the coagulatingpolymer matrix. Optionally, the pore-forming additive may dissipate fromthe matrix into the surrounding tissue fluids at a rate slower than thatof the solvent, or be released from the matrix over time bybiodegradation or bioerosion of the matrix. Preferably, the pore-formingadditive dissipates from the coagulating implant matrix within a shorttime following implantation such that a matrix is formed with a porosityand pore structure effective to perform the particular purpose of theimplant, as for example, a barrier system for a tissue regenerationsite, a matrix for timed-release of a drug or medicament, and the like.

Porosity of the solid polymer matrix may be varied by the concentrationof water-soluble or water-miscible ingredients, such as the solventand/or pore-forming agent, in the polymer composition. For example, ahigh concentration of water-soluble substances in the thermoplasticcomposition may produce a polymer matrix having a high degree ofporosity. The concentration of the pore-forming agent relative topolymer in the composition may be varied to achieve different degrees ofpore-formation, or porosity, in the matrix. Generally, the polymercomposition will include about 0.01-1 gram of pore-forming agent pergram polymer.

The size or diameter of the pores formed in the matrix of the solidimplant may be modified according to the size and/or distribution of thepore-forming agent within the polymer matrix. For example, pore-formingagents that are relatively insoluble in the polymer mixture may beselectively included in the polymer composition according to particlesize in order to generate pores having a diameter that corresponds tothe size of the pore-forming agent. Pore-forming agents that are solublein the polymer mixture may be used to vary the pore size and porosity ofthe implant matrix by the pattern of distribution and/or aggregation ofthe pore-forming agent within the polymer mixture and coagulating andsolid polymer matrix.

Where the implant is used to promote guided tissue regeneration, it ispreferred that the diameter of the pores in the matrix are effective todeter growth of epithelial cells and enhance growth of connective tissuecells into the polymer matrix of the implant. It is further preferredthat the size of the pores and porosity of the matrix of the implantfacilitate diffusion of nutrients and other growth-promoting substancessuch as growth factors, to cells which have grown into the matrix.Preferably, the degree of porosity of the matrix provides an implantthat is capable of substantially maintaining structural integrity forthe desired period of time without breakage or fracturing during use.

To provide an effective implant for bone cell regrowth and tissueregeneration, it is preferred that the diameter of the pores of theimplant is about 3-500 microns, more preferably about 3-200 microns,more preferably about 75-150 microns. It is further preferred that thematrix has a porosity of about 5-95%, preferably about 25-85%, in orderto provide optimum cell and tissue ingrowth into the matrix and optimumstructural integrity.

Pore diameter and distribution within the polymer matrix of the solidimplant may be measured, as for example, according to scanning electronmicroscopy methods by examination of cross-sections of the polymermatrix. Porosity of the polymer matrix may be measured according tosuitable methods known in the art, as for example, mercury intrusionporosimetry, specific gravity or density comparisons, calculation fromscanning electron microscopy photographs, and the like. Additionally,porosity may be calculated according to the proportion or percent ofwater-soluble material included in the polymer composition. For example,a polymer composition which contains about 30% polymer and about 70%solvent and/or other water-soluble components will generate an implanthaving a polymer matrix of about 70% porosity.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, an article is used forimplantation, injection, or otherwise placed totally or partially withinthe body, the article comprising the biodegradable polymer compositionof the invention. The biologically active substance of the compositionand the polymer of the invention may form a homogeneous matrix, or thebiologically active substance may be encapsulated in some way within thepolymer. For example, the biologically active substance may be firstencapsulated in a microsphere and then combined with the polymer in sucha way that at least a portion of the microsphere structure ismaintained. Alternatively, the biologically active substance may besufficiently immiscible in the polymer of the invention that it isdispersed as small droplets, rather than being dissolved, in thepolymer. Either form is acceptable, but it is preferred that, regardlessof the homogeneity of the composition, the release rate of thebiologically active substance in vivo remain controlled, at leastpartially as a function of hydrolysis of the ester bond of the polymerupon biodegradation.

In a preferred embodiment, the article of the invention is designed forimplantation or injection into the body of a mammal. It is particularlyimportant that such an article result in minimal tissue irritation whenimplanted or injected into vasculated tissue. As a structural medicaldevice, the polymer compositions of the invention provide a physicalform having specific chemical, physical, and mechanical propertiessufficient for the application and a composition that degrades in vivointo non-toxic residues. Typical structural medical articles includesuch implants as orthopedic fixation devices, ventricular shunts,laminates for degradable fabric, drug-carriers, biosorbable sutures,burn dressings, coatings to be placed on other implant devices, and thelike.

In orthopedic articles, the composition of the invention may be usefulfor repairing bone and connective tissue injuries. For example, abiodegradable porous material can be loaded with bone morphogeneticproteins to form a bone graft useful for even large segmental defects.In vascular graft applications, a biodegradable material in the form ofwoven fabric can be used to promote tissue ingrowth. The polymercomposition of the invention may be used as a temporary barrier forpreventing tissue adhesion, e.g., following abdominal surgery.

On the other hand, in nerve regeneration articles, the presence of abiodegradable supporting matrix can be used to facilitate cell adhesionand proliferation. When the polymer composition is fabricated as a tubefor nerve generation, for example, the tubular article can also serve asa geometric guide for axonal elongation in the direction of functionalrecovery.

As a drug delivery device, the polymer compositions of the inventionprovide a polymeric matrix capable of sequestering a biologically activesubstance and provide predictable, controlled delivery of the substance.The polymeric matrix then degrades to non-toxic residues.

In all cases, the solid implant formed within the injectable polymersolution will slowly biodegrade within the body and allow natural tissueto grow and replace the impact as it disappears. Thus, when the materialis injected into a soft-tissue defect, it will fill that defect andprovide a scaffold for natural collagen tissue to grow. This collagentissue will gradually replace the biodegradable polymer. With hardtissue such as bone, the biodegradable polymer will support the growthof new bone cells, which will also gradually replace the degradingpolymer. For drug-compositions, the solid implant formed from theinjectable system will release the drug contained within its matrix at acontrolled rate until the drug is depleted. With certain drugs, thepolymer will degrade after the drug has been completely released. Withother drugs such as peptides or proteins, the drug will be completelyreleased only after the polymer has degraded to a point where thenon-diffusing drug has been exposed to the body fluids.

Solid Biodegradable Articles

Biodegradable medical implants, microcapsules, microparticles, medicaldevices and drug delivery products can be prepared by the transformationprocess using water or an aqueous medium or body fluid to causesolidification. Generally, these products are ex vivo solid matrices. Ifthe ex vivo solid matrix is to have a particular shape, such as a stentor medical device, it can be obtained by transforming the flowablecomposition in a suitable mold following the moldable implant precursortechnique described above. After the precursor has been formed, it canbe contacted with additional aqueous medium to complete thetransformation. Alternatively, the flowable composition can be placed ina closed mold that is permeable to aqueous medium and the mold withcomposition can be contacted with aqueous medium such as be submergingin an aqueous bath. Preferably, the flowable composition in thisinstance will have a moderate to high viscosity.

Microcapsules and microparticles can be formed by techniques known inthe art. Briefly, the microcapsule preparation involves formation of anemulsion of bioactive agent-carrier micelles in the flowable compositionwhere the carrier is a nonsolvent for the biocompatible, biodegradable,branched thermoplastic polymer of the invention. The micelles arefiltered and then suspended in an aqueous medium. The coating offlowable composition on the surfaces of the micelles then solidifies toform the porous microcapsules. Microparticles are formed in a similarprocess. A mixture of flowable composition and bioactive agent is addeddropwise by spraying, dripping, aerosolizing or by other similartechniques to a nonsolvent for the flowable composition. The size andshape of the droplets is controlled to produce the desired shape andsize of the porous microparticles. Sheets, membranes and films can beproduced by casting the flowable composition onto a suitable nonsolventand allowing the transformation to take place. Similarly, the viscosityof the flowable composition can be adjusted so that when sprayed oraerosolized, strings rather than droplets are formed. These strings canbe cast upon a nonsolvent for the flowable composition such that afilamentous scaffold or membrane is produced. Also, suture material orother similar material can be formed by extrusion of the flowablecomposition into a non-solvent bath. The extrusion orifice will controlthe size and shape of the extruded product. The techniques for formationof these ex vivo solid matrices are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,652,441; 4,917,893; 4,954,298; 5,061,492; 5,330,767; 5,476,663;5,575,987; 5,480,656; 5,643,607; 5,631,020; 5,631,021; 5,651,990, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference with theproviso that the polymers used are the biocompatible, biodegradable,branched thermoplastic polymers of the invention.

These ex vivo solid matrices can be used according to their knownfunctions. For example, fasteners such as sutures and staples can beused according to known techniques in the art. The implants and othersolid articles are can be inserted in a body using techniques known tothe art such as through an incision or by trocar.

EXAMPLES

The present invention is more particularly described in the followingexamples which are intended for illustration purposes only, sincenumerous modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilledin the art.

Example 1 Biodegradable Polymer Synthesis

A 360 ml teflon vessel was charged with D,L lactide (275 g), polyol(0.4-1.1 w/w %), and stannous octoate (0.045 w/w %). The mixture washeated at 145° C. for 20 hours. The resulting polyester was removed fromthe reaction vessel and dissolved in anhydrous dichloromethane andpurified by precipitation in anhydrous methanol. The polymers were driedunder vacuum at ambient temperature to remove most of the residualsolvent. The resulting hard, solid masses were cooled in liquid nitrogenand cut into small pieces. The small pieces were ground in a Wiley millto a coarse dust sufficient to pass through a 6 mm screen. The resultingpolymer was dried under vacuum at ambient temperature prior to finalpackaging.

Example 2 Biodegradable Polymer Characterization

Weight average molecular weights from light scattering were determinedusing a system incorporating a Waters 510 pump, two Polymer Labs “MixedC” columns in series, a Shimadzu CTO-10-A column oven, a Waters 410differential refractometer, and a Minidawn® multiangle light scatteringdetector (Wyatt Technologies). Data were obtained and analyzed on a PCusing Astra® software (Wyatt Technologies). Data are reported inDaltons. Weight average molecular weights and number average molecularweights from conventional calibration were obtained using the systemdescribed above through the Waters 410 differential refractometer usinga Polymer Labs data capture unit and Caliber® software. A calibrationcurve was obtained using Polymer Laboratories Easi-Cal PS-1 polystyrenestandards. Data are reported in Daltons. Inherent Viscosities (IV) wereobtained using polymer solutions of 0.45 to 0.55 percent weight/volumein a Canon-Fenske viscometer, size 25, at 30° C. Data are reported indL/g. Brookfield Viscosities (BV) were obtained for polymer solutions of40 prevent weight/weight solutions in N-methyl-pyrolidone using aBrookfield Digital Viscometer with a SC4-218 spindle at 0.3 rpm and 25 °C. Data are reported in centipoise. The polymer characterization data issummarized in Table 1. Data indicate that branched polymers derived fromat least trifunctional triols have comparable molecular weights to thelinear polymers, but substantially lower viscosities, particularlyBrookfield Viscosities.

TABLE 1 Polymer Characterization Data Data for Linear and BranchedPoly(DL-lactide)s Sample A107-35 A107-41 A107-43 A107-55 InitiatorDodecanol Ethylene Trimethylol- Penta- Glycol propane erythritolMolecular Linear Linear Tribranched Tetrabranched Architecture End 1Hydroxyl, 2 Hydroxyl 3 Hydroxyl 4 Hydroxyl Groups 1 Ester Mw (LS) 17,00018,300 17,500 16,200 Mw (CC) 23,100 25,800 22,400 21,600 Mn (CC) 17,10019,300 18,500 18,100 IV, dL/g    0.34    0.32    0.30    0.22 BV, cP  1880   1410   890   690

Example 3 Biodegradable Polymer Degradation Studies

The biodegradable polymers were degraded in duplicate samples andanalyzed at seven time points: no exposure; 3 days; 7 days; 14 days; 28days; 42 days; 56 days; and 84 days. Approximately 0.5 g ofbiodegradable polymer were shaken in glass jars containing 100 ml of0.01 M phosphate buffer saline (PBS) with a pH of 7.4 at 37° C. in anenvironmental shaker. The buffer was changed at 72 hour intervals. Ateach time point, the samples were isolated and vacuum dried. Each samplewas analyzed twice for GPC (LS), GPC (CC), and IV as described inExample 2. The two runs were averaged to construct degradation profiles.The results of the degradation studies are summarized in FIGS. 1-3.

Example 4 Controlled Release Studies

The biodegradable polymer of the present invention dissolved in N-methylpyrollidone was loaded into a 1 ml syringe. Doxycycline hyclate wasloaded into another 1 ml syringe to give a drug load of 8.5 percentdoxycycline. The syringes were coupled together and mixed for 50 cycles.The syringe was then placed on a scale and tared. The compositioncontaining doxycycline was then dropped into 5 ml phosphate buffersolution at a pH of 7.40 and a temperature of 37° C. The syringe wasthen placed back on the scale and the implant weight was recorded. Thiswas repeated for each formulation four more times to give an n of fiveat each time point. The samples were then placed in an environmentalshaker at 37° C. with a speed of 150 RPMs. At various time points, thephosphate buffer solution was decanted and the polymer implant was leftin the vial. A fresh 5 ml of phosphate buffer solution was added to theprecipitated polymer and placed back in the shaker. The phosphate buffersolution that was decanted was then analyzed by UV visibility fordoxycycline content. Based upon the implant weight a theoretical amountof doxycycline was calculated. Drug release was then based upon thistheoretical amount. Release data are depicted in FIG. 4.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pharmaceutical system suitable for forming abiodegradable article for use in a body, the pharmaceutical systemcomprising: a flowable composition of a biocompatible, biodegradable,branched, thermoplastic polymer that is at least substantially insobulein aqueous medium, water, or body fluid; and a biocompatible organicsolvent that is at least slightly soluble in aqueous medium, water, orbody fluid; wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting ofpolyamides, polyurethanes, polyureas, copolymers, terpolymers,combinations, and mixtures thereof.
 2. A pharmaceutical system accordingto claim 1 wherein the polymer comprises one or more polyamides.
 3. Apharmaceutical system according to claim 1 wherein the polymer comprisesone or more polyurethanes.
 4. A pharmaceutical system according to claim1 wherein the polymer comprises one or more polyureas.
 5. Apharmaceutical system according to claim 1 wherein the polymer haspolymer chains or backbones comprising monomeric unit linking groupsthat can be hydrolyzed by enzymatic reaction or hydrolysis reaction. 6.A pharmaceutical system according to claim 1 wherein the biocompatiblebiodegradable branched thermoplastic polymer is formed at least in partfrom a monomer that has at least three functional groups.
 7. Apharmaceutical system according to claim 1 wherein the biocompatibleorganic solvent is at least moderately soluble in aqueous medium, wateror body fluid.
 8. A pharmaceutical system according to claim 1 whereinthe biocompatible organic solvent has a molecular weight in the range ofabout 30 to about
 500. 9. A pharmaceutical system according to claim 1wherein the biocompatible organic solvent is a polar aprotic organicsolvent or polar protic organic solvent.
 10. A pharmaceutical systemaccording to claim 1 wherein the biocompatible organic solvent is acyclic, branched or linear aliphatic, aryl, or arylalkyl organiccompound that is liquid at ambient and physiological temperature andcontains at least one functional group selected from the groupconsisting of alcohols, ketones, ethers, amides, amides, esters,carbonates, sulfoxides, sulfones, and combinations thereof.
 11. Apharmaceutical system according to claim 1 wherein the biocompatibleorganic solvent is selected from the group consisting ofN-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 2-pyrrolidone, C2 to C6 alkanols, propyleneglycol, solketal, acetone, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, ethyl lactate,methyl ethyl ketone, dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethylsulfone, tetrahydrofuran, caprolactam, decylmethylsulfoxide, oleic acid,propylene carbonate, triacetin, N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide, and1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one.
 12. A pharmaceutical system according toclaim 1 further comprising a biologically active agent.
 13. Apharmaceutical system according to claim 12, wherein the biologicallyactive agent is a single entity or a combination of entities having atleast slight water solubility.
 14. A pharmaceutical system according toclaim 12, wherein the biologically active agent is a substance used forthe treatment, prevention, diagnosis, cure or mitigation of disease orillness, a substance which affects the structure or function of thebody, or pro-drugs, which become biologically active or more activeafter they have been placed in a predetermined physiologicalenvironment.
 15. A pharmaceutical system according to claim 12, whereinthe biologically active agent is selected from the group consisting ofanabolic agents, antacids, anti-asthmatic agents, anti-cholesterolemicand anti-lipid agents, anti-coagulants, anti-convulsants,anti-diarrheals, anti-emetics, anti-infective agents includingantibacterial and antimicrobial agents, anti-inflammatory agents,anti-manic agents, antimetabolite agents, anti-nauseants,anti-neoplastic agents, anti-obesity agents, anti-pyretic and analgesicagents, anti-spasmodic agents, anti-thrombotic agents, anti-tussiveagents, anti-uricemic agents, anti-anginal agents, antihistamines,anti-tussives, appetite suppressants, biologicals, cerebral dilators,coronary dilators, bronchiodilators, cytotoxic agents, decongestants,diuretics, diagnostic agents, erythropoietic agents, expectorants,gastrointestinal sedatives, hyperglycemic agents, hypnotics,hypoglycemic agents, immunomodulating agents, ion exchange resins,laxatives, mineral supplements, mucolytic agents, neuromuscular drugs,peripheral vasodilators, psychotropics, sedatives, stimulants, thyroidand anti-thyroid agents, tissue growth agents, uterine relaxants,vitamins, and antigenic materials.
 16. A pharmaceutical system accordingto claim 12, wherein the biologically active agent is selected from thegroup consisting of androgen inhibitors, polysaccharides, growthfactors, hormones, anti-angiogenesis factors, dextromethorphan,dextromethorphan hydrobromide, noscapine, carbetapentane citrate,chlophedianol hydrochloride, chlorpheniramine maleate, phenindaminetartrate, pyrilamine maleate, doxylamine succinate, phenyltoloxaminecitrate, phenylephrine hydrochloride, phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride,pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, ephedrine, codeine phosphate, codeinesulfate morphine, mineral supplements, cholestryramine,N-acetylprocainamide, acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride, caffeine, guaifenesin, aluminum hydroxide,magnesium hydroxide, peptides, polypeptides, proteins, amino acids,hormones, interferons, cytokines, and vaccines.
 17. A pharmaceuticalsystem according to claim 1 wherein the percent solids of the branchedthermoplastic polymer in the flowable composition is in the range ofabout 0.01 wt % to about 95 wt % relative to the total weight of theflowable composition.
 18. A pharmaceutical system according to claim 17wherein the percent solids is in the range of about 2 wt % to about 80wt %.
 19. A pharmaceutical system according to claim 17 wherein thepercent solids is in the range of about 5 wt % to about 70wt %.
 20. Apharmaceutical system according to claim 17 wherein the percent solidsis in the range of about 30 wt % to about 80wt %.
 21. A pharmaceuticalsystem according to claim 1 that is capable of forming a microporousmatrix upon its contact with aqueous medium, water or body fluid,wherein the matrix is a core surrounded by a skin, the core containingpores of diameters from about 1 to 1000 microns, and the skin containingpores of smaller diameters than those of the core pores.
 22. Apharmaceutical system according to claim 21, wherein the skin pores areof a size such that the skin is functionally non-porous in comparisonwith the pores.
 23. A pharmaceutical system according to claim 1 whereinthe flowable composition is convertible to fasteners, microcapsules,microparticles, implants, or coatings on implants.
 24. A biocompatiblearticle which is produced by contacting aqueous medium, water or bodyfluid and a flowable composition of a biocompatible, biodegradable,branched, thermoplastic polymer that is at least substantially insolublein aqueous medium, water or body fluid, and a biocompatible organicsolvent that is at least slightly soluble in aqueous medium, water orbody fluid; wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting ofpolyamides, polyurethanes, polyureas, copolymers, terpolymers,combinations, and mixtures thereof.
 25. An article according to claim 24which is in the form of a absorbable fasteners, microcapsules,microparticles, implants, or a coating on an implant.
 26. An articleaccording to claim 24 which is produced ex vivo.
 27. An articleaccording to claim 24 which is produced in situ.
 28. A method for thecontrolled release of a biologically active agent comprising placing ina body a pharmaceutical system according to claim 12 and allowing thepharmaceutical system to form an in situ implant containing thebiologically active agent.
 29. A method according to claim 28 whereinthe pharmaceutical system is adaptable for implantation or injectioninto a body.
 30. A method according to claim 28, which is convertible toimplants for controlled drug release suitable for providing abiological, therapeutic, or physiological effect in a living organism.31. A method according to claim 28 which is convertible to microcapsulesfor controlled drug release suitable for providing a biological,therapeutic, or physiological effect in a living organism.
 32. A methodaccording to claim 28 which is convertible to absorbable fastenerssuitable for providing a biological, therapeutic, or physiologicaleffect in a living organism.
 33. A method according to claim 28 which isconvertible to a material for treating bone injuries suitable forproviding a biological, therapeutic, or physiological effect in a livingorganism.
 34. A method according to claim 28 which is convertible to acoating on an implant device suitable for providing a biological,therapeutic, or physiological effect in a living organism.